2012 SIGNING CLASS. Praising the 2012 Class. The Commodore Class Lives Up to Hype

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1 VANDERBILT 2012 SIGNING CLASS Signees Position Ht. Wt. Residence High School Torey Agee Def. Line Opelika, Ala. Opelika H.S. Caleb Azubike Def. Line Nashville, Tenn. McGavock H.S. Brandon Banks Def. Back Brandywine, Md. Gwynn Park H.S. Ladarius Banks Def. Line Dallas, Ga. East Paulding H.S. Cory Batey Wide Receiver Nashville, Tenn. Ensworth School Adam Butler Off. Line Duncanville, Texas Duncanville H.S. Blake Fromang Off. Line Orlando, Fla. Lake Highland Prep Barrett Gouger Off. Line Soddy Daisy, Tenn. Baylor School Harding Harper Linebacker Montgomery, Ala. Carver H.S. Paris Head Def. Back Lawrenceville, Ga. Buford H.S. Darreon Herring Linebacker Stone Mountain, Ga. Stephenson H.S. Will Holden Off. Line Green Cove Springs, Fla. Clay H.S. Andrew Jelks Off. Line Paris, Tenn. Henry County H.S. Brian Kimbrow Running Back Memphis, Tenn. East H.S. Kevin McCoy Off. Line Tampa, Fla. Armwood H.S. Torren McGaster Def. Back Daphne, Ala. Daphne H.S. Tip McKenzie Wide Receiver Natchez, Miss. Trinity Episcopal Patton Robinette Quarterback Maryville, Tenn. Maryville H.S. Jake Sealand Linebacker Tucker, Ga. Tucker H.S. Ja karri Thomas Linebacker Tallahassee, Fla. Godby H.S. Stephen Weatherly Def. End/Linebacker Snellville, Ga. Shiloh H.S. The Commodore Class Lives Up to Hype After months of national attention and fan anticipation, Head Coach James Franklin and his Commodore staff have capped off a smashing sales effort by signing one of the top classes of prospects in team history. Franklin praised the 21-player class, which ranked among the nation s top recruiting efforts by experts across the nation. This is the best recruiting class I have ever been associated with, Franklin said. We have tremendously improved our football team today. I keep saying you win football games Sunday through Friday and by winning on National Signing Day. Vanderbilt won today! Franklin s staff attracted 11 defensive and 10 offensive standouts. Rivals.com rated every signee three-stars or higher, the first time Vanderbilt has ever achieved such status. Six different players earned rare four-star evaluations from national recruiting pundits. The class is highlighted by six offensive line prospects all ranked among the Top 75 players at their positions nationally. The new Commodores include six prep standouts from Tennessee, all considered among the state s Top 25 seniors. We didn t fill all of our needs, and we ll do even better next year, but we are truly building something special at Vanderbilt. All Commodore fans should be happy with the class and the direction of our program, Franklin said. Praising the 2012 Class Class Earns NATIONAL AccLAim Two national recruiting outlets, Rivals.com and ESPN.com, listed Vanderbilt s class among the Top 25 nationally. Several long-time observers said it was Vanderbilt s finest hour in attracting top seniors. Targeting SPECIFIC Positions Six Offensive Line Prospects Four Defensive Line Signees Four Linebacker Prospects ATTRACTING TENNESSEE TALENT The class includes six Tennessee products, tying the most in-state players since The signees include five members of the Tennessean s Dream Team, the most ever.

2 Commodore SIGNING CLASS NOTES Fun Facts on Class Class by Position Tallest signee Blake Fromang, OT The 6 7 Orlando, Fla. product comes from a family of tall folks. One of three brothers stands 7 0 Most tackles in career Ja karri Thomas, LB Godby (Fla.) standout posted 325 tackles as four-year varsity starter Average height of six O-Line prospects Won 2011 state championships 5 Cory Batey, Ensworth (Tenn.); Andrew Jelks, Henry Co. (Tenn.); Patton Robinette, Maryville, (Tenn.); Kevin McCoy, Armwood (Fla.); Jake Sealand, Tucker (Ga.) Number of Tennessee Mr. Football finalists 4 Barrett Gouger, Brian Kimbrow, Patton Robinette, Andrew Jelks. Gouger captured D-II AA Lineman honors Most career touchdowns Tip McKenzie, WR Versatile athlete from Natchez, Miss., surpassed the 100-touchdown plateau in final game of prep career Most interceptions in career Brandon Banks, CB Maryland DB had 16 picks in three-year career Runs fastest 40-yard dash Brian Kimbrow, RB Timed in sub at multiple combines Best football bloodlines Torey Agee, DL Agree s dad, Tommie, played six years as a running back in NFL with Cowboys, Chiefs and Seahawks Longest drive to campus Brandon Banks, DB Native of Washington DC area is 688 miles from campus, 11 more than Texas native Adam Butler Heaviest signee 285 lbs. Three O-Line prospects Adam Butler, Kevin McCoy and Blake Fromang tip the scale at 285+ Longest first name Chuckwuemeka Azubike, DL Known to classmates as Caleb Most rushing yards in 2011 Brian Kimbrow, RB Ran for 1,969 rushing yards as senior Lives closest to campus Cory Batey, WR The Nashville product lives just 9.6 miles from Vandy Biggest hands Kevin McCoy, Played on undefeated teams as senior 4 Andrew Jelks, Patton Robinette, Kevin McCoy, Jake Sealand Champion in another sport Barrett Gouger Earned 2011 Division II title as heavyweight wrestler Most receiving yards in 2011 Tip McKenzie 1,046 yards, averaged 29.8 yards on 35 catches Wears Biggest Shoe Blake Fromang Size 17 for big line prospect Longest arm length Kevin McCoy, 35 ; followed by Stephen Weatherly (34.25 ) Quarterbacks (1) Patton Robinette Maryville, Tenn. Running Backs (1) Brian Kimbrow Memphis, Tenn. Wide Receivers (2) Cory Batey Nashville, Tenn. Tip McKenzie Natchez, Miss. Offensive Line (6) Adam Butler Duncanville, Texas Blake Fromang Orlando, Fla. Barrett Gouger Soddy Daisy, Tenn. Will Holden Green Cove Springs, Fla. Andrew Jelks Paris, Tenn. Kevin McCoy Tampa, Fla. Class Comes From Seven States Alabama (3) Torey Agee Opelika Harding Harper Montgomery Torren McGaster Daphne Florida (4) Blake Fromang Orlando Will Holden Green Cove Springs Kevin McCoy Tampa Ja Karri Thomas Tallahassee Georgia (5) Ladarius Banks Dallas Paris Head Buford Darreon Herring Stone Mountain Jacob Sealand Tucker Stephen Weatherly Snellville Defensive Line (4) Torey Agee Opelika, Ala. Caleb Azibuke Nashville, Tenn. Ladarius Banks Dallas, Ga. Stephen Weatherly (DE/LB) Snellville, Ga. LINEBACKERs (4) Darreon Herring Stone Mtn., Ga. Harding Harper Montgomery, Ala. Jacob Sealand Tucker, Ga. Jakarri Thomas Tallahassee, Fla. Defensive Backs (3) Brandon Banks Brandywine, Md. Paris Head Buford, Ga. Torren McGaster Daphne, Ala. MARYLAND (1) Brandon Banks Brandywine Mississippi (1) Tip McKenzie Natchez Tennessee (6) Caleb Azubike Nashville Cory Batey Nashville Barrett Gouger Chattanooga Andrew Jelks Paris Brian Kimbrow Memphis Patton Robinette Maryville Adam Butler Mark The Date: Texas (1) Duncanville Black & Gold SPRING GAME Saturday, April 14, 2012 Vanderbilt Stadium Kickoff: 6 pm

3 Torey Agee Defensive Line 6 3, 250 Opelika High School Opelika, Ala. Head Coach: Brian Blackmon Caleb Azubike Defensive Line 6 4, 250 McGavock High School Nashville, Tenn. Head Coach: Jay Gore Rivals: HHH Scout: HH ESPN: HHH No. 40 Overall Player in Alabama 247Sports.com Selected Vanderbilt over Ole Miss, Stanford, Duke, and Southern Mississippi among others Two-year starter at DE for east Alabama public school... Earned three varsity letters... Named All-Area DE honors as junior and senior... In 2011, produced 40 solo tackles, six tackles for loss and five quarterback sacks for Bulldogs squad that advanced to 5A state playoffs... Played in postseason Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game... As junior, had 32 tackles and pair of sacks... Participated in student government, member of National Honor Society chapter. Torey LeMarcus Agee... Son of Tommy and Anchylus Agee... Born March 8, Dad is assistant director of Opelika Parks & Recreation Dept.; mom is kindergarten teacher... Has an older brother, Tyler, and younger sister, Angelic... Brother runs track at University of South Alabama... Dad was a standout running back at Auburn and six-year NFL veteran, and was lead blocker for two of the top backs in gridiron history, Bo Jackson and Emmitt Smith... Plays the trombone in symphonic band. HEAD COACH BRIAN BLACKMON Torey is a very intelligent guy, on and off the football field. He s a very dependable player, a guy that doesn t get too high or too low, and plays the same high level week in and week out. I think the ceiling is very, very high for Torey. You re talking about a guy who combines size with 4.7 speed. He s also our strongest guy, and holds our power clean record. Torey has a great frame, but he s a guy that will continue to grow and develop when he matures in that (Vanderbilt) environment. I see him simply getting better and better at Vanderbilt. Rivals: HHHH Scout: HHH ESPN: HHH No. 6 Overall Player in Tennessee Rivals.com No. 15 DE in Nashville Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Tennessee, Miss. State, Kentucky, Miami (Fla.), Boston College and Louisville among others Senior captain... Two-year starter at DE for Nashville school... As senior, topped the Raiders with 117 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 10 QB sacks and six forced fumbles for Raiders... Two-time team MVP... All-State recipient as senior; listed on Nashville Tennessean s Dream Team... Posted three sacks at postseason Offense-Defense All-American Bowl held in Texas... Earned defensive MVP honors in Tennessee East-West All-Star Game after setting record with 17 tackles... Finalist for Hume Award, given to Nashville public school s top scholar-athlete. Chukwuemeka Caleb Azubike (A-zoo-bi-K)... Son of Chuck and Nkechi Azubike... Born March 31, 1994 in Nigeria... Dad is private businessman; mom is a nurse... Has two brothers, Onochie and Ifeatu, and two sisters, Adaobi and Chinazor... Family moved from England prior to starting ninth grade... Played trumpet in McGavock marching band as freshman... Aspires to become physician. HEAD COACH JAY GORE Caleb never played football until his sophomore season. From the end of last year to the end of this year, Caleb made as much improvement as any kid I ve ever had. Caleb absolutely reinvented himself after his junior season. In addition to getting bigger, his vertical went up and his 40 dropped. He became a totally different player. There s no doubt in my mind that Caleb s best football is way ahead of him. He ll make the transition to Vanderbilt because it s a great situation for him. He s going to become very polished, on and off the field.

4 Brandon Banks Defensive Back 5 10, 170 Gwynn Park High School Brandywine, Md. Head Coach: Danny Hayes Ladarius Banks Defensive Tackle 6 2, 275 East Paulding High School Dallas, Ga. Head Coach: John Reid No. 17 Overall Player in Maryland Rivals.com No. 33 CB in Nation 247Sports.com Selected Vanderbilt over Michigan State, Arizona, Pittsburgh, Illinois and Maryland among others Three-year starter for 2A Maryland school located southeast of Washington D.C.... Two-way starter (DB and WR) for last two years... As senior DB, registered eight interceptions and 45 tackles, helping Gwynn Park to 8-3 mark and 2A state playoffs... Had 30 catches for 762 yards and seven TDs as senior WR... Named First Team All-State as senior... Played in postseason Chesapeake Bowl All-Star Game... Also produced as junior WR/DB, catching eight TDs among 33 receptions and registering seven INTs on defense... As track sprinter, ran leg on 4x400-meter relay that captured state meet. Brandon Eric Banks... Son of Maurice and Wendy Banks... Born Feb. 26, Has three older siblings: two older brothers, Maurice IV and Andrew; sister, Brandi... Family has strong football roots: dad played collegiately and is long-time prep coach in Washington area, oldest brother played in NFL Europe and Arena Football, second brother just concluded playing career at Middle Tennessee. HEAD COACH HAYES Brandon is a great kid, a fun young man to be around and have in your program. And he is a very instinctive player on the football field. He was a big-play guy for us, both as a cornerback and receiver. He just made a lot of plays. He was a lock-down corner for us with 4.4 speed. Brandon needs to get in the weight room to get bigger and stronger. Once Brandon focuses in that area, he s going to be a really good one. No. 108 DT Player in Nation 247Sports.com Selected Vanderbilt over Cincinnati, Wake Forest, Illinois, Southern Mississippi and Troy among others Two-year captain... Three-year defensive line starter for one of top teams in Atlanta area... As senior tackle, earned MVP honors posting 65 total tackles, 36 solo tackles and four QB sacks for 11-2 Raider squad that advanced to AAAA state quarterfinals... Named to Georgia s Top 75 seniors by Atlanta Journal-Constitution and first team All-Region as senior... Helped 2011 defense post five shutouts... Participated in Army All-American Combine as junior... Vice president of senior class... Member of business-oriented DECA Club. Ladarius Bernard Banks... LB... Son of Eddie and Tiffany Banks... Dad is entrepreneur; mom is nursing director... Has two younger siblings: a sister, Ladajah; and brother, Dallas... Enjoys public speaking... Eventually wants to pursue law career. HEAD COACH REID LB played nose for us in a 3-4 defense, consistently faced double teams, never complained, and never wanted to come out. The main objective for most of the offenses we faced was to try to deal with him. LB is just a tremendous young man. We named him captain as a junior and I ve never done that before. If our teachers were to vote on their favorite kid at the school, they d vote for Ladarius. They absolutely love the kid. LB has a great first step and excellent quickness for his size, and is a really tenacious football player. He s going to have that SEC defensive tackle look. He ll carry 290 pounds with a big lower body, and be able to move.

5 Cory Batey Wide Receiver 6 0, 188 Ensworth School Nashville, Tenn. Head Coach: Ricky Bowers Adam Butler Offensive Line 6 4, 285 Duncanville High School Duncanville, Texas Head Coach: Jeff Dicus No. 13 Overall Player in Tennessee 247Sports.com Selected Vanderbilt over Arkansas, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Illinois and Minnesota among others Two-year starter; three-year letterwinner... Started as WR and DB... Had 42 receptions for 802 yards and 10 TDs as senior WR... Also contributed 30 tackles and two INTs as DB and averaged 31.8 yards as kickoff returner for 12-1 private school power... Helped Ensworth to consecutive Division II-AA state titles in Named first team All-State by sportswriters and recognized on All-Midstate Team by Tennessean... Had TD catch in postseason Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl held in Arizona... Also participated in East-West All-Star Game... As junior, posted 47 catches, good for 687 receiving yards and three TDs, and 42 tackles for 10-2 squad... Lettered in track & field and baseball. Cory Lamont Batey... Son of Aubrey Jeannie Batey and the late Clark Batey... Born Jan. 27, Mom is a lab technician at Vanderbilt Medical center... Has two older brothers, Clark Jr., and Josh Richardson... Talented musician. HEAD COACH BOWERS Cory was definitely a big-play maker for our team. He has really good speed and uncommon natural skills for the receiving position. His ratio of touchdowns to catches this season has to be one of the highest in the state. Cory is as good as any receiver that I ve had. He s also very coachable, a hard worker who wants to learn all he can. You are talking about a very explosive player. Cory is one of those guys that can play above the rim on the basketball court. He has good hands and has the size to go in traffic and make the catch. No. 50 Overall Player in Texas Rivals.com No. 43 OG in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over California, Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma State, SMU and Utah State among others Two-time captain for large suburban Dallas public school... Started at LT as junior and senior after playing DE as sophomore... As senior, also blocked eight field goal attempts... Two-time first team 5A All-District recipient... Named All-Area as senior, earning team MVP honors... Helped squad to district titles and 5A playoff appearances in 2010 and Played center in postseason Offense-Defense All-American Bowl held in Cowboys Stadium... Also earned letters as thrower in track & field... Honors student who received All-District Academic recognition. Adam Oneal Butler... Son of Clarence and Kim Butler... Dad is manager at Staples; mom is group nursing & facility administrator... Has one brother, Josiah, and one sister, Kim... Descendant of Texas children s rights campaigner Edna Gladney, the subject of 1940s film Blossoms in the Dust... Enjoys fishing and singing. HEAD COACH DICUS Let me tell you, Vanderbilt has a jewel in Adam Butler. You re talking about a very special, great character kid who brings a lot to the football field. Adam is just a leader and has meant a great deal to helping turn our program around. On the field, Adam s an aggressive player, an agile guy who can move around. For his size, Adam s also a good knee-bender. Adam still has room to grow and develop. He s going to be a pounder after a year or so in the (Commodore) program. I look for him to do special things at Vanderbilt.

6 Blake Fromang Offensive Line 6 7, 285 Lake Highland Prep Orlando, Fla. Head Coach: Tim Borcky Barrett Gouger Offensive Line 6 4, 280 Baylor School Soddy Daisy, Tenn. Head Coach: Phil Massey No. 71 OT in the Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Kentucky, Ole Miss, West Virginia, Cincinnati, Louisville, Virginia and Maryland among others Senior captain for one of central Florida s top private schools... Three-year starter at offensive tackle, moving to left tackle for junior and senior seasons... As senior, named All-District and All-County OL... Listed among Top 60 players in central Florida by Orlando Sentinel... Helped Highlanders to state playoffs in 2010 and Played in postseason Central Florida All-Star Game... Also earned letters as thrower in track & field. Blake Andrew Fromang... Son of Jennifer Eden Riley and Lilburn Fromang... Born June 6, Both parents are attorneys... Has an older sister, Whitney, and three brothers: Brian, Hunter and Spencer... Two of the brothers, 7 0 Brian and 6 5 Hunter play college basketball... Men s basketball coach at Lake Highland Prep is former Commodore standout Jeff Turner... Recent Commodore starters Kevin Joyce (LB) and Brian Stamper (OT) are Lake Highland grads. HEAD COACH BORCKY Blake is the total package as an offensive tackle. He moves very well, is an excellent pass blocker and has the long arms and wing span you want. You don t make kids that are Blake s size. He s just a big, imposing guy, exactly what coaches are looking for in a left tackle. Blake didn t start playing football until his freshman year. You can t believe how much he has developed and grown as a football player over the last two years. No. 15 Overall Player in Tennessee Rivals.com No. 61 OT in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Duke, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky and Wake Forest among others Senior captain... Four-year Letterwinner and three year starter at offensive tackle... Recipient of 2011 Division II Mr. Football Lineman Award... As senior had 36 pancake blocks, helping Red Raiders to school s first D-II regional championship and second consecutive appearance in D-II championship game... Also earned All-State and All-Region as senior, along with being named to Dream Team by Nashville Tennessean and Best of the Preps by Chattanooga Times-Free Press... Three-year letterwinner in wrestling and reigning Division II state champion in heavyweight class. Barrett David Gouger... Son of Mark and Beverly Gouger... Born Sept. 30, Born and raised near Chattanooga... Dad works as sales manager; mom is school teacher... Has one brother, Chandler... Enjoys fishing and hunting. HEAD COACH MASSEY Barrett is one of the most talented offensive linemen that I ve coached in 26 years. He is a gifted player, and a leader at practice, in the weightroom and on the field. Barrett s mobility is the thing that makes him a special player. For a kid his size, he has great agility. With great work ethic and fundaments, Barrett should adapt real well at Vanderbilt. Once Barrett is focusing completely on football, he s going to continue to get stronger. If he works hard this summer, I think he could end up contributing for the Commodores next season if needed.

7 Harding Harper Linebacker 6 2, 215 Carver High School Montgomery, Ala. Head Coach: Billy Gresham Paris Head Defensive Back 6 0, 175 Buford High School Lawrenceville, Ga. Head Coach: Jess Simpson No. 31 Overall Player in Alabama Rivals.com No. 59 OLB in Nation Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Arkansas, Illinois, Georgia Tech and Central Florida among others Senior captain as starting linebacker for 6A Montgomery public school power... Only played 2011 season at Carver, registering 108 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, three quarterback sacks and four interceptions... Returned two of the picks for scores, including one for 100 yards... Helped 7-4 Wolverines into state playoffs... Earned postseason First Team 6A All-State LB recognition by sportswriters and listed among Alabama s Super Seniors by Birmingham News... As junior, played LB at Jackson- Olin HS in Birmingham, posting 90 total tackles, six QB sacks and an INT... Plays forward on talented Carver hoops squad. Harding Harper... Son of Harding and Catherine Harper... Born on Sept. 28, Has a brother, Montarius, that plays football at Alabama A&M... First cousin to New Orleans Saints safety Roland Harper. HEAD COACH GRESHAM I ll tell you a quick story that says everything about Harding. After he transferred in December 2010, he was only able to watch our first offseason workout. He was one of the leaders at our second workout. Before this season started, we voted Harding team captain without knowing if he could play or not. He s a huge hitter, and has that unique ability to find the football. He brings a big playmaking ability to the linebacker position. Harding is also going to do the right thing. He s focused on being the best football player and person he can be. No. 69 Overall Player in Georgia Rivals.com No. 50 CB in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Tennessee, Ole Miss, Nebraska, Penn State, Louisville, Boston College and Illinois among others Senior captain... Two-year starter at DB and WR for Georgia AA power... Three-year letterwinner... As senior, registered 70 total tackles, two interceptions and four forced fumbles as DB... Also posted 30 receptions for 325 yards and three TDs as WR, and returned a punt for score for 14-1 Buford squad... In three-year varsity career, helped Wolves to two AA state championships and a third state title appearance... Named Second Team All-State by writers and earned All-Gwinnett County honors as senior...played in Rising Seniors Bowl as a junior... Contributed four INTs and 10 passes defended as junior DB... Lettered in track & field. Son of Geoff and Pamela Head... Born Nov. 20, Has two siblings: a sister, Brittney; and a brother, Rashad... Dad works in health care diagnostics; mom works in the insurance industry... Brother played collegiate football and is trying out for Canadian Football League. HEAD COACH SIMPSON Paris is a great kid who makes your locker room a better place for the team. He s a true team player willing to put it all on the line. Paris is an excellent student, is extremely coachable, and has great character. He is physical, explosive and has great ball skills, and lays the wood when it is needed. Paris makes plays when the team really needs it, like his touchdown catch over a Calhoun player in closing minutes of this past state championship that propelled us to overtime.

8 Darreon Herring Linebacker 6 1, 220 Stephenson High School Stone Mountain, Ga. Head Coach: Ron Gartrell Will Holden Offensive Line 6 6, 280 Clay High School Green Cove Springs, Fla. Head Coach: Josh Hoekstra H No. 36 Overall Player in Georgia Rivals.com No. 30 OLB in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Arkansas, South Carolina, Clemson, Stanford, Nebraska and West Virginia among others Senior captain... Two-year starting OLB for one of Atlanta s top public schools... As senior, contributed 65 solo tackles, 109 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss, five QB sacks, four forced fumbles and an interception for 9-2 Jaguars team that reached AAAAA state playoffs... Earned team MVP and All-Region honors as senior... As junior, posted 52 tackles, six sacks and two forced fumbles at Stephenson after transferring from Martin Luther King H.S. following sophomore campaign. Darreon Franz Herring... Son of Sheldon and Jennifer Herring... Born Nov. 23, One of four siblings: two older brothers, Dominique and Dameon; and one sister, Destiny... One brother, Dameon, plays football at Tusculum (Tenn.) University... Prep teammate of Commodore junior safety Kenny Ladler... Eventually wants to pursue law degree... Video game enthusiast. LINEBACKERS COACH CORY JOHNSON Darreon is one of the top five linebackers I ve ever coached. I ve had the pleasure of coaching three linebackers that played in the NFL and Darreon ranks right there with them. Darreon is athletic and is blessed with intelligence. It s like having a coach on the field with Darreon out there. He was very much one of our quarterbacks on the field. Watch our film and you ll see Darreon directing traffic like a police officer. Rivals: HHH Scout: HH ESPN: HHH No. 87 Overall Player in Florida Rivals.com No. 74 OT in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Florida, Iowa State, Louisville, Wake Forest and West Virginia among others Three-year starter on offensive front for Class 5A school near Jacksonville... Starting left tackle as senior for district runnerups, earning first team All-State honors by sportswriters... Named to Jacksonville Times-Union s prestigious Super 24 Team as senior... Also earned first team All-Area and All-District recognition... Played in postseason Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-State Game... Started at RT as sophomore and junior, helping Blue Devils to 5A state playoffs... Also lettered as thrower in track & field... Member of National Honor Society chapter. William Thomas Holden... Son of Kevin and Rita Holden... Born Sept. 14, Has an older brother, Kevin... Dad is in the U.S. Navy; mom is food service manager... Achieved Eagle scout ranking... Aspires to become FBI agent... Enjoys juggling. HEAD COACH HOEKSTRA Will has been an excellent football player for the last three years, but he became an outstanding player as a senior. He was truly one of the best offensive linemen in Florida as a senior. Will is one of those linemen that definitely finishes his blocks. He s a guy that has really good feet, excellent agility for a kid his size, and knows how to use his hands to his benefit. Will has been coached hard and he plays hard. In Will, Vanderbilt has a guy whose potential is through the roof. He s only going to get bigger, better and stronger.

9 Andrew Jelks Offensive Line 6 6, 270 Henry County High School Paris, Tenn. Head Coach: James Counce Brian Kimbrow Running Back 5 8, 170 Memphis East High School Memphis, Tenn. Head Coach: Marcus Wimberly Rivals: HHHH Scout: HHH ESPN: HHH No. 8 Overall Player in Tennessee Rivals.com No. 39 OT in Nation Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Tennessee, Alabama, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Stanford and Cincinnati among others Senior captain... Three-year offensive line starter... As senior left tackle, contributed over 70 pancake blocks as Henry County went 15-0 and earned first state title in school history... Finalist for 5A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year Award as senior... First Team 5A All-State and named to Nashville Tennessean s Dream Team, Dandy Dozen and All-Midstate squads... Earned All-Area OL honors as junior after Patriots finished Starts on varsity hoops team... Ranks among Top Ten percent of class academically... Attended Boys State as junior. Andrew Moore Jelks... Son of Bill and Debbie Jelks... Born on Dec. 6, Dad is an insurance agent; mom is physical therapist... Has two brothers, Will and Ben... Oldest brother plays football at Southeast Missouri... Plays the cello. HEAD COACH COUNCE Since I arrived prior to Andrew s junior season, he has provided great leadership for our team. Of course, he s an excellent student, but he s one of those guys that is very conscious of improving himself while making his teammates better. He is a tall, physical lineman who really finishes blocks. Andrew s also worked to improve his line skills such as footwork and agility from the get-go. Once Andrew starts focusing only on football, he is going to add weight and strength. When that happens, the sky is the limit. Rivals: HHHH Scout: HHHH ESPN: HHHH No. 2 Overall Player in Tenn.; No. 138 Overall Player in Nation; No. 3 All-Purpose Runner in Nation Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Alabama, Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas, Miami (Fla.), Miss. State, Southern Cal, Nebraska, Notre Dame and Stanford among others Senior captain... Three-year starting RB for Memphis public school... As senior, rushed for 1,969 yards and 21 TDs on 187 carries (10.5 avg.) and produced 2,186 all-purpose yards for 7-4 Mustang squad that advanced to 5A state playoffs... Finalist for state s 5A Mr. Football Back of the Year Award and First Team All-State selection... Included on numerous postseason teams, including Memphis Commercial Appeal s Best of the Preps and Nashville Tennessean s Dream Team... Participated in postseason U.S. Army All-American Game in San Antonio... As junior, rushed for 1,651 yards and 18 TDs and scored two TDs on kickoff returns... Rushed for 973 yards and 10 TDs as sophomore. Brian Kimbrow... Son of Hope Kimbrow and Clinton Black... Born Sept. 17, Has a sister,... Involved in several community service efforts around school and church. HEAD COACH WIMBERLY Brian has helped elevate this program back to the status it had years ago. He let people know quality football is played at East High School. Brian is a hard worker, and a leader on and off the field. He has great speed and agility, but his vision is what stands out. That s what makes Brian unique. I remember the first time he touched the ball as a sophomore. He zig-zagged his way for a touchdown. The coaches knew then that s what we had been missing.

10 Kevin McCoy Offensive Line 6 5, 285 Armwood High School Brandon, Fla. Head Coach: Sean Callahan Torren McGaster Defensive Back 6 0, 185 Daphne High School Daphne, Ala. Head Coach: Glenn Vickery No. 37 OT in Nation Rivals.com No. 51 OT in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Auburn, Florida, Louisville, Central Florida and South Florida among others Two-year offensive line starter for one of Florida s strongest 6A programs... As senior, started at tackle, helping Hawks to 15-0 record and 6A state title... Named First Team 6A All-State by writers as senior... Also selected to Tampa Bay Times All-Sun Coast squad... Team went combined 29-1 in junior and senior seasons, winning one state title and playing for another... Earned varsity letters as thrower in track & field... Member of National Honor Society chapter. Kevin Patrick McCoy Jr.... Son of Kevin and Trina McCoy... Born July 27, Has a brother, Demetrius; and two sisters, Taniesha and Krya... Dad works as auto claim adjuster; mom is child care provider... Brother played Arena Football... Enjoys acting and writing poetry... Wants to pursue a career in forensic science... Was prep teammate of current Vanderbilt redshirt freshman QB Josh Grady. HEAD COACH CALLAHAN Kevin only started playing football as a ninth grader. From then to now, he s truly developed into an outstanding offensive lineman for us. For the last two years, Kevin s been a very solid piece to an outstanding offensive line. You tell Kevin something once and he gets it. He s developed really good technique and footwork for a big man. Kevin is a team guy and he s only going to get better. I think he s a very strong prospect for Vanderbilt. Rivals: HHH Scout: HH ESPN: HHH No. 32 Overall Player in Alabama Rivals.com; No. 77 CB in Nation ESPN.com Selected Vanderbilt over Kentucky, Missouri, Clemson, Illinois, Minnesota and South Florida among others Two-year starter in defensive secondary for one of Alabama s top 6A programs... Three-year letterwinner... As senior, posted 37 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defended, four fumble recoveries as DB for 10-2 Trojans squad that reached second round of state playoffs... Returned four kickoffs for TDs as senior, and notched six career return TDs... Also blocked three punts... As junior, posted 29 tackles, two INTs and nine passes defended, helping Daphne to 15-0 mark and A state title... Two-time All-Region recipient. Torren McGaster... Son of Alane Perdue and Robert McGaster... Born on May 25, Mom works with Daphne school system; dad is self-employed... One of six siblings: two brothers, Jonathan and Johnnie; and three sisters, Amber, Fredrika and Nastisa. HEAD COACH VICKERY Torren McGaster is one of the best corners in this state, and arguably the most physical corner in Alabama. He will bring a lot of talent, great leadership and hard work to the Vanderbilt football team. Torren s just been an excellent lock-down corner for us. This year, I think it took six games before one of our opponents completed a pass against him. Torren is a guy that brings tremendous attitude and work ethic, and just loves to compete. He has a tremendous future ahead of him at Vanderbilt.

11 Tip McKenzie Wide Receiver 5 8, 175 Trinity Episcopal School Natchez, Miss. Head Coach: David King Patton Robinette Quarterback 6 4, 200 Maryville High School Maryville, Tenn. Head Coach: George Quarles Rivals: HHH Scout: HHH ESPN: HH No. 13 Overall Player in Mississippi Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Kansas State, Indiana, Memphis, Illinois and Ala.-Birmingham among others Senior captain... Two-year starter at Trinity... Versatile athlete was named Area Player of the Year as senior by Natchez Democrat... Saw action as RB, QB, WR, safety and returner as senior, rushing for 631 yards and eight TDs on 78 carries, had 35 catches for 1,046 receiving yards and 16 TDs, and added 54 tackles, six INTs and three TDs as defensive standout... Named team MVP, first team All-State WR and District MVP as senior... Helped Saints to a pair of AA state titles and a third semifinal appearance... Concluded remarkable prep career, including two years at varsity football at nearby Wilkerson Co. Christian, with nearly 10,000 all-purpose yards and 100 touchdowns... Also earned letters in basketball and track & field. JaBorian McKenzie... Son of Shedrick McKenzie and Katina Veal... Born July 20, Transferred to Trinity Episcopal after sophomore year. HEAD COACH KING Tip is the ultimate competitor and doesn t lack for confidence. He s coming to Nashville to play. Tip has a different gear, and just has incredible quickness. He has outstanding hands and leaps really well for his size. Tip s also one of the most relentless guys I ve ever known, just a weight room hound that works extremely hard. Tip was absolutely a threat to score each time he touched the ball. Combine that with the fire he has in his belly and you re looking at a truly special player. Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year No. 10 Dual-Threat QB in Nation 247Sports.com Selected Vanderbilt over North Carolina, Stanford, Iowa, Northwestern and Purdue among others Senior captain... Two-year starting QB for one of top Tennessee programs... As senior, hit 114 of 160 passes (71.3%) for 1,522 yards and 22 TDs while rushing for 886 yards and 16 TDs for 6A state champs... Tennessee s Gatorade Player of the Year, First Team All-State QB, Region Offensive Player of the Year and finalist for 5A Mr. Football Back of the Year Award as senior... As junior, threw for 1,804 yards and 21 TDs... As starting QB, team went 29-1 and won two state titles... Participated in National Elite 11 QB Camp last summer... Named All-County as hoops standout... Also lettered in basketball and track & field... High academic achiever, Maryville Scholar recipient as junior, National Honor Society member. Jesse Patton Robinette... Son of Jesse and Jennifer Robinette... Born Jan. 12, Dad is elementary school assistant principal; mom is elementary school teacher... Has three younger sisters: Payton, Paxton and Preston... Aspires to become a physician... Avid reader. HEAD COACH QUARLES The greatest thing about Patton is he s a winner, just a very competitive, driven kid that wants to win. Patton is an intelligent kid who understands the game and understands what defenses are trying to do. He s an above average athlete, and combines the arm you want with the ability to keep plays alive with his legs. Patton s best days as a quarterback are definitely ahead of him. Some good quarterbacks have come through here but Patton s the best all-around that we ve had. That s quite a statement about him.

12 Jake Sealand Linebacker 6 2, 215 Tucker High School Tucker, Ga. Head Coach: Franklin Stephens Ja karri Thomas Linebacker 6 1, 200 Godby High School Tallahassee, Fla. Head Coach: Ronnie Cottrell H No. 14 ILB in Nation ESPN.com No. 41 Overall Player in Georgia Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Arkansas, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Kentucky, Miami (Fla.), Virginia Tech and Cincinnati among others Two-year starter at MLB for one of Georgia s top public schools... Voted as co-captain in last game of his career a victory that gave Tucker the AAAA state title and first undefeated season in school history... Two-way starter (LB and OG) as senior... Earned All-State honors as a senior LB after registering 69 total tackles, two sacks, an interception, four forced fumbles and two recoveries... As junior, was All-Area selection after topping Tigers with 76 total tackles and 14 tackles for loss. Jacob Patrick Sealand... Jake... Son of Orlen Sealand, Sandy Sealand-Young and stepdad Kyle Young... Mom is a registered nurse; dad is helicopter pilot... Has two other brothers, Justin and Michael, both of whom played football at the collegiate level. HEAD COACH STEPHENS Jake is one of those guys coaches want in their program. You feel like you have an extra coach on the field when he is out there. He knows his responsibilities and those of everybody else. Jake has plenty of natural talents, and plays the game aggressively with great emotion. He s a tremendous leader, one of our guys that other players looked to for leadership. Like most (signees), he still needs to get bigger and stronger, and keep improving his agility and flexibility, but Jake will do that because that s who he is. Rivals: HHH Scout: HH ESPN: HHH No. 66 OLB in Nation Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Arkansas, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Miami (Fla.), Stanford and Maryland among others Senior co-captain... Four-year defensive starter for 5A school, seeing action along the defensive front and linebacker positions... As senior OLB/DE, posted 57 tackles, five QB sacks and an interception for 9-3 squad that advanced for second straight year to second round of 5A state playoffs... Earned First Team 5A All-State and All-Area as senior... Had 73 tackles, 6.5 sacks and pair of forced fumbles as junior... Started at DE as true freshman when Godby advanced to state finals... Earned three letters as sprinter in track & field and two letters on weightlifting team... Earned Leon County School District s Dale Doss Courage Award as senior. Ja karri Mar quise Thomas... Son of Morris Knight and the late Catina Ponder... Born Aug. 15, Has four younger siblings: two brothers, E yelle, and E manuel; and two sisters, O sha and I mani. HEAD COACH COTTRELL I ve been coaching since 1979, and Ja karri is one of the most special young men I have ever had. He ll be special at Vanderbilt from the day he comes in. Ja karri is a high character kid and natural born leader. He s one of those kids who commands respect, a team guy that leads by example. He s just a winner. On defense, if we had a weakness at a position, we covered it up with Ja karri. He s a tough, athletic, and very aggressive player.

13 Stephen Weatherly Defensive End/Linebacker 6 5, 220 Shiloh High School Snellville, Ga. Head Coach: Brian Montgomery Rivals: HHH Scout: HH ESPN: HHHH No. 24 Weakside DE in Nation ESPN.com No. 71 Overall Player in Georgia Rivals.com Selected Vanderbilt over Auburn, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Stanford, Georgia Tech, North Carolina State and Purdue among others Senior captain... Four-year starter at OLB/DE and WR... Contributed 79 tackles, 8.5 QB sacks, 15 tackles for loss and a pair of forced fumbles as senior at Shiloh, earning All-Gwinnett County honors... Also had eight catches and two TDs as WR... Played in postseason Gwinnett County All-Star Game... Transferred to Shiloh after playing three years at North Atlanta HS... Posted 66 tackles and 14 sacks as junior at North Atlanta... As hoops forward, helped North Atlanta to two sub-region titles... Also lettered in baseball and track... W.E.B. DuBois Scholar, and member of school s robotics team. Stephen Dian Weatherly... Son of Carla Johnson- Weatherly... Mom works as non-profit administrator... Middle name pays tribute to grandmother, a Harvard and MIT graduate... Enjoys chess and math... Travelled through Germany with Fulton Co. youth commission... Enjoys paintball... Plays six musical instruments. HEAD COACH MONTGOMERY I ve coached Stephen for the last four years and he s been a varsity starter every year. He is just a very wellrounded young man a great athlete that maintains a high GPA and is very active away from football. On the field, Stephen s real tough and durable, very fast, and very coachable. Stephen s pass rush moves are just unbelievable. When he grows a little, he s going to be a terror to left tackles trying to protect the blindside of a quarterback.